How to Take Care of My Teddy Bear Hamster

Teddy bear hamsters belong to the golden hamster species and are a type of Syrian hamster. They're also known as long-haired hamsters, fancy hamsters and angora hamsters. Females generally have very plush coats and males usually grow longer hair on the rear halves of their bodies. Teddy bears grow to an average of 4 or 5 inches in length and normally live from two to three years. They prefer to live alone, without other hamster companions.

Things You'll Need

  • Habitat
  • Bedding
  • Cage furniture
  • Toys
  • Food
  • Treats
  • Cleaning solvent
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Instructions

  1. Housing

    • 1

      Choose a cage or aquarium for your hamster. Wire cages facilitate optimal air flow, which is necessary for good hamster health. They're lightweight and easily cleaned, with detachable bottom trays. Aquariums facilitate less air flow, are heavier and harder to clean but they protect hamsters from other pets better than wire cages.

    • 2

      Place the hamster's enclosure in a secure, safe and reasonably quiet location. Ensure he is free from drafts year-round and is not accessible to very young children and household pets.

    • 3

      Use a thick layer of commercially made small-animal bedding on the floor of the habitat. Never use cedar or pine shavings. These splinter, cause chapped feet, can't be digested properly, release toxic fumes when reacting to urine and have dangerous chemical residues. Other types of shavings and pelleted or environmentally friendly bedding made from recycled newspaper are safe alternatives.

    • 4

      Give your hamster an exercise wheel! Ladders, walkways, tubes and toys also provide hours of enjoyment. Make sure, however, not to over-clutter the cage because hamsters need ample space to sleep and walk around.

    • 5

      Free-feed (give all he can eat) a commercially prepared mixture of grains and seeds. Provide fresh food daily and supplement with small amounts of fruits and vegetables. Tiny amounts of hard-boiled egg, fish liver oil and meat (not pork) make excellent occasional treats.

    • 6

      Clean the hamster's habitat at least once a week. Use warm water and non-toxic solvents, rinsing well. Dry the habitat completely (including toys and bars) before putting the hamster back inside.

    Handling

    • 7

      Acclimate the hamster to your presence slowly. Start by ignoring him while working with your hands (adjusting toys and dishes) inside his cage. Continue this until he no longer panics at your presence and realizes you mean him no harm.

    • 8

      Pet the hamster gently, at first only when he's on the floor of his cage. If higher up he may fall or jump and hurt himself if he becomes frightened. Continue this daily until he's totally comfortable with you, and even enjoys your visits.

    • 9

      Pick him up gently, at first only inside his cage. Once he's used to this, remove him from his cage slowly, always cupping one hand over him to keep him from jumping or falling. Hamsters are fast. Never leave him unattended, for even a second, when letting him roam around.